A LITTLE boy who fought back from the brink of death after plunging 20ft through a factory roof today told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "I'm glad to be home."

Seven-year-old Marley Seddon spoke for the first time after suffering serious head injuries when he fell through the roof at Kay Street Mill, Darwen.

He was in a critical condition at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, for three days with his worried family at his bedside.

But the youngster's determination to get better helped ensure he was well enough to return home in time for his one-year-old brother Connor's first birthday party yesterday. Marley, a pupil at Sudell Primary School, Darwen, said: "I'm really glad to be home and I can't wait to see my friends at school again. All I remember about falling is that I was playing on the roof and the next thing I was waking up in hospital.

"It didn't hurt, but I know I've not to go out climbing again. My dad and grandad say they will smack me if I do and I won't be able to play out."

Marley lives with his dad Keith, stepmum Michelle and Connor, in London Terrace, Darwen.

He was transferred to Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn, on Tuesday and discharged on Wednesday evening.

Keith added: "It is brilliant to have him home. It's made Connor's birthday a double celebration. He was in a critical condition and we didn't know if he would pull through.

"Now he is fine and the doctors have been delighted with his progress. On the day it happened Marley was playing out on the street with his friends. I was feeding Connor when I realised he had gone missing. As I was getting ready to go and look for him a young lad knocked at the door to say he had fallen through a roof."

His family hope he will get the all clear from doctors when he returns to hospital in about six weeks. His grandmother, Pat Seddon, said: "We'd like to thank the hospital for all they have done."